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Turquoise waters along the shore near Dakar, Senegal

West Africa Safari, Tours & Small Ship Cruises

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The West African region encompasses the countries of Ghana, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Senegal, and Cape Verde. The lush rainforest of Guinea provides an ideal environment for an eco-tourism experience, while historic Cape Verde attracts visitors with its lovely beaches and pristine atmosphere. Most travelers to West Africa head to Senegal to explore Gorée Island's infamous “Door of No Return,” which once served the slave trade. Trundle the coastal villages at Goree Island off Dakar, or climb Mount Cameroon for superb hiking. West Africa almost defies description; it is a crossroads of cultures and nationalities, a continent more than a country, where differences are more pronounced than similarities. Contact one of our West  African experts to help you find the small ship cruise for you.

10 Best West Africa Safari, Tours & Small Ship Cruises for 2023-2024

Turquoise waters along the shore near Dakar, Senegal
Rivers of West Africa
Dakar-Dakar
8 Days from $2,690
Learn about Africa's vegetation, fauna and history as you sail through Senegal and Gambia's rivers. Harmony g invites you on a spectacular 8-day trip along the coast of West Africa and upstream the Gambia River, deep within the African continent.
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Relax on the beaches of St. Maarten
Pure Sailing- Crossing the Atlantic
Praia - Philipsburg
17 Days from $12,815
Sail around the Atlantic ocean as Sea Cloud II sail from the island on the Southwest coast of Praia to Gustavia enjoying the beautiful beaches and exploring different shops and restaurants in the neighborhood
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A young family walks through the African landscape
Rivers of West Africa
Banjul-Banjul
8 Days from $2,690
Join the Harmony G for a fascinating 8-day cruise along the coast of West Africa and upstream the Gambia River, deep inside the African continent. Discover the flora, fauna, and history of Africa as you voyage through the waterways of Senegal and Gambia.
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Beaches of Cape Verde Islands
Islands of Cape Verde Archipelago
Palmeira to Palmeira
8 Days from $2,690
Discover the islands of Cape Verde or Cabo Verde on this 8-day cruise with Harmony G. Take a tour from Palmeira to Sal Rei, Praia, Sao Felipe, and many more. This cruise holiday will open up for you a vibrant and colorful world, all set to the gentle rhythms of West African music.
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Cape Verde Islands, Archipelago of Contrasts
as Palmas - Praia
12 Days from $8,225
Sail around Atlantic ocean as Sea Cloud II sails to the southern coast of Santiago Island starting from the city in Gran Canaria, Las Palmas visitingTenerife, Sao Vicente,, Brava and Fogo in between cities.
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Colorful towns of the Canary Islands
Africa's Atlantic Coast & Canary Islands
Cape Town to Barcelona
30 Days from $22,999
Africa's Atlantic Coast and the Canary Islands await you on this 30-day cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn. Explore fourteen unique ports on three continents. See Namibia's white pelicans and pink flamingos, Morocco's capital Casablanca, and the beaches of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. 
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Colorful shores of the Azores
Cape Verde, Canary Islands & Azores
Lisbon - Lisbon
15 Days from $11,295
During a two-week cruise through the Atlantic Islands, visit Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, and the Azores. While traveling the center of the Atlantic and north of the northwest African coast, you can take advantage of the best of expedition cruising onboard the Greg Mortimer. 
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Napoleon Bonaparte : history and heritage
Dakar - Santos
21 Days from $13,080
Explore Napoleon Bonaparte's footsteps on his transatlantic expedition on this 21-day history and heritage cruise aboard Le Lyrial. Embark in Dakar and discover Ascension Island, the Longwood Residence, Rio de Janeiro and more!
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Beaches of Cape Verde Islands
Islands of the Cape Verde Archipelago
Palmeira to Palmeira
8 Days from $2,550
Explore the archipelago of Cape Verde on this diverse 8-day cruise aboard the Panorama, a three-masted small ship. The islands offer a mixture of African and Portuguese heritage, and a diverse range of landscapes from verdant mountains, jungles, and volcanoes to deserted beaches.
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Explore for a stunning view of the sea
Grand Voyage of Discovery
Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon
19 Days from $8,154
Cross the Atlantic Ocean on this 19-day voyage from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon aboard the luxurious Scenic Eclipse. On this journey, leisurely days at sea are coupled with exciting port stops brimming with a host of all-inclusive shore excursions.
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10 Best West Africa Luxury Small Cruise Ships for 2023-2024

Seabourn Sojourn
The World's Finest Resort at Sea Seabourn's award-winning, all- suite ships combine nimbler power and grace with beautifully designed spaces and amenities. They can access smaller ports where larger ships cannot go, yet provide some of the most generous space per guest in the industry. Each ship features a world- class spa, a variety of dining venues and inviting lounges.
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National Geographic Endurance
National Geographic Endurance
National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating (PC5 Category A) ever achieved by a cruise ship of its size (126 guests). The sloping X-bow is designed to decrease movement in the roughest of seas and also results in higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions for less environmental impact.
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Seabourn Venture
At Seabourn, we are passionate about travel. We believe that traveling for pleasure has a redemptive power that enriches people's lives. And we believe that people should travel well.
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Le Lyrial
The sleek, intimate Le Lyrial sails under the French flag and entrances her passengers with her contemporary decor, comfortable suites, and refined ambiance. Her elegant design allows her to be an ideal sailing vessel.
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Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse is the World's First Discovery Yacht and the first ocean cruise ship from the Scenic fleet. Launched in August 2019, Scenic Eclipse sets a new standard in luxury ocean cruising. With elegant lines, perfectly-proportioned suites, and expansive wellness zones, every element of Scenic Eclipse has been considered with your enjoyment and pleasure in mind, creating a special environment that facilitates global adventure in truly 6-star luxury.
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Sea Cloud II
The Sea Cloud II is a legendary windjammer comparable to her sister ship, the Sea Cloud. Featuring her own unique character, the Sea Cloud II combines the high standards expected of a 5-star cruise ship with the unique atmosphere of a romantic tall ship.
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Greg Mortimer
Greg Mortimer
With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.
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SH Vega
SH Vega
5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
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MV Hondius
MV Hondius
The MV Hondius ship is designed to sail to the polar regions as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible accommodating 174 passengers cruising to Antarctica.
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MV Janssonius
MV Janssonius
Janssonius is meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Janssonius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.
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Top 8 West Africa Attractions

A young girl carries a bucket on her head, lightening her load
Senegal
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Sunset over the Gambian River in Kuntaur
Gambia
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Mali
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Enjoy a blissful snorkeling trip.
Cape Verde Islands
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Praia
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Lioness relaxing in an African sunset
Ghana
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West Africa Travel Guide

Lily pads in Guyana
According to the December 2013/January 2014 edition of National Geographic Traveler magazine, there are 20 must-see places for the year to come. Comprised of nominations from a global community of writers, editors, and travelers, this list includes some surprising selections as well as a few mysteries. However, all are uniquely incredible destinations. Adventure Life is proud to offer some of the "Best in the World" to our travelers!
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The Best Time to Visit West Africa

Located on the equatorial line, it has a privileged climate with minimal temperature variation, which makes it a place with incredible biodiversity in its tropical forests. Beautiful beaches await you to take a nice swim or enjoy a walk on the coast. At the same time, drylands are home to very rare species, some of them endangered.

The best time to visit West Africa is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and drier. Wildlife encounters increase as more animals come out of the shady places to feed and hydrate themselves.
How Much Does a West AfricaTour Cost?

Travel to West Africa is an excellent option. A region of remarkable contrast that offers many experiences for travelers is worth visiting. 

Prices for a West Africa trip can range from around $2,100 for an 8-day adventure in Cape Verde to $16,500 for a combined 23-day experience. 

It really depends on you, how much you want to do and see.

No matter what you choose, our experienced travel advisors are ready to help you with any questions you may have.
Beaches of Cape Verde Islands
An Island Expedition to the Cape Verde Islands
Explore the small islands of the coast of North Africa, Cape Verde islands. These islands were uninhabited until Portuguese colonization in the fifteenth century.
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